Display chronicles snake handler's legacy

A new display will open in Mackay today, dedicated to the works of the famous snake handler Ram Chandra.

Edward Royce Ramsamy was well known throughout Australia for his work with taipans and helping develop the world's first taipan antivenene.

Mr Ramsamy was one of the first people to successfully milk the venom from the deadly reptiles and survived several bites over his lifetime.

Syd Norman from the Mackay Historical Society and Museum says the display will include props Mr Ramsamy used during his presentations.

"There were four boards - some portraying the things he did in his life, and letters of support for various people," he said.

"There's a couple of boards that look at the anatomy of a snake, how it's built and how it bites and what the venom does. As well as that, we've also got in a glass case, one of the snakes that actually bit him."

Mr Norman says Mr Ramsamy's work is very significant.

"Anybody who saves one life is pretty important and I would believe that Ram Chandra's practise and expertise would have saved many lives over past years as well as future years," he said.